Chiang Mai: Roaming with Elephants

Nestled within the jungled hillsides that surround Chiang Mai's city wall, amidst temples with longer histories than many countries, and beyond villages home to some of Thailand's most colorful tribes, elephants roam. And at the Patara Elephant Reserve, man and steed come together for an experience neither is likely to forget.

What we love

Spending time in a Karen hill tribe village and learn why the women famously elongate their necks in the name of beauty

Creating a life-long bond with a single elephant at the Patara Elephant Reserve

Basic Itinerary

About This Trip

Northern Thailand's distinct cultural heritage is literally carved into the walls at Wat Pan Tao and Wat Jet Yod, and preserved in the Buddha's shoulder bone at Wat Phra Dhat Doi Suthep. It is cooked into each bowl of kao soi and wedged in the back of every songtaew taxi. It lives in the elongated necks of the Karen hill tribe's women and through the region's iconic symbol: the elephant. On this journey you will learn how to care for and communicate with a single elephant, getting to know each other through baths and feedings, and sealing your bond with a bare-back ride through Chiang Mai's luscious jungle.

TRIP HIGHLIGHTS

Patara Elephant Reserve

Northern Thai Cuisine

Sacred Temples

DETAILED ITINERARY

Day1

Chiang Mai

Upon arrival in Chiang Mai meet your WildChina guide who will have your private vehicle on standby •After freshening up, head through the city wall and into the historical old town • Brush your fingers across the exquisite carvings on the eaves and doors of Wat Pan Tao, a temple built in the typical northern Thai style • Proceed to Wat Jet Yod, an Indian style temple built in 1453 to host the eighth World Buddhist Council • Overlook the city from Wat Phra Dhat Doi Suthep, the most sacred temple in northern Thailand, built to enshrine a piece of bone from the shoulder of Buddha • Feast on local delicacies at dinner and try laab (a minced meat salad) and sua ue, a grilled sausage infused with lemongrass

Day2

Journey through Chiang Mai's mountainous countryside to the Patara Elephant Reserve • Along the way, stop and learn the distinctive culture of a Karen hill tribe village, where the women famously elongate their necks in the name of beauty • Continue to Patara Elephant Reserve where you will receive instructions in the basics of elephant training theory from an experienced trainer • After the briefing, you will be introduced to your elephant and will spend the day feeding, bathing and playing with your animal friend • Seal your bond with your noble steed as you ride bare-back through the jungle to a local waterfall • Return to your hotel and rest up before dining on fiery northern-Thai cuisine

Day3

Enjoy a leisurely morning in your hotel before transferring to the airport for your flight to your next destination

SIMILAR JOURNEYS

Talk to us - Chiang Mai: Roaming with Elephants

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Email a trip designer atinfo@wildchina.com. Tell us what you’re dreaming of, thinking of, or just have questions about. Within a business day, you’ll have your very own trip designer on the case.

Give us a call or schedule the best time for you by emailing us your preferred call-back time. Our team in Seattle can be reached on +1 888 902 8808 (GMT -7), or you can reach us in our Beijing office on +86 10 6465 6602 (GMT +8). We’re available from 9am – 6pm, local time.

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If you have an idea of the journey you’d like to take, please fill in the form below. According to your preferences and travel style, we’ll assign you a personal trip designer. They’ll reach out within one business day and work with you to create your perfect itinerary.

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Talk to us - Chiang Mai: Roaming with Elephants

Need more information?

Email a trip designer atinfo@wildchina.com. Tell us what you’re dreaming of, thinking of, or just have questions about. Within a business day, you’ll have your very own trip designer on the case.

Give us a call or schedule the best time for you by emailing us your preferred call-back time. Our team in Seattle can be reached on +1 888 902 8808 (GMT -7), or you can reach us in our Beijing office on +86 10 6465 6602 (GMT +8). We’re available from 9am – 6pm, local time.

Ready to plan your trip?

If you have an idea of the journey you’d like to take, please fill in the form below. According to your preferences and travel style, we’ll assign you a personal trip designer. They’ll reach out within one business day and work with you to create your perfect itinerary.

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Need More Information?

Give us a call or schedule the best time for you by emailing us your preferred call-back time. Our team in Seattle can be reached on +1 888 902 808 (GMT -7), or you can reach us in our Beijing office on +86 10 6465 6602 (GMT +8). We're available from 9am - 6pm, local time.

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